Lamar Jackson is officially your Madden 21 cover athlete
We knew it was coming. But on Tuesday, it became official.
The face of a new generation…@Lj_era8 #Madden21 pic.twitter.com/IvFQWKm2IG
— Madden NFL 21 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 16, 2020
Weeks after Lamar Jackson spilled the beans, EA Sports revealed Tuesday that reigning NFL MVP and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will grace the cover of Madden 21, becoming the latest NFL superstar to be featured on the packaging for the most popular sports video game franchise of all-time.
Jackson took to Twitter early Tuesday morning to share his excitement regarding the honor.
From South Florida to the Cover of #Madden21, a dream come true ?
@eamaddennfl #Madden21 #EAathlete #Noyaboy #Freeyak pic.twitter.com/aK1Jw6huuk— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) June 16, 2020
The fact that Lamar would be the cover athlete came as no surprise this week, considering nearly two months ago, the information leaked.
Even EA Sports and the Ravens franchise got in on the fun.
Who else would it be? ?♂️ https://t.co/KxXGQ29i9G pic.twitter.com/BU1aok5kLh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 21, 2020
Jackson’s credentials are certainly Madden-cover-worthy.
Last season, in his first full year as a starter, he put up record-breaking stats, breaking Michael Vick’s single-season quarterback rushing record by tallying 1,206 yards on the ground.
He rushed for 7 TDs in the process and threw for 36 more, all while leading the Ravens to a 14-2 mark during the regular season.
Lamar Jackson in 2019
27 TD passes from the pocket – 1st
90.9 PFF rushing grade – 1st
42 missed tackles forced – 1stpic.twitter.com/EYrPidf37y— PFF (@PFF) June 12, 2020
The Madden announcement video featured none other than superstar hip hop artist Lil’ Wayne, who congratulated Jackson on the honor.
Let me tell you about @Lj_era8…
He’s DIFFERENT! Congrats ? #Madden21 pic.twitter.com/RLx7YDULVs
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) June 16, 2020
Along with Mr. F. Baby, several former Madden cover stars congratulated Lamar on his induction into the cover athlete club, including Super Bowl Champion and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, who graced the cover of Madden 20.
Past Madden cover stars officially welcome Lamar to the club ? @EAMaddenNFL @Lj_era8 @Ravens @PatrickMahomes @MichaelVick @terrellowens @EddieGeorge2727 @BarrySanders pic.twitter.com/7GvLlFoNhs
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) June 16, 2020
Joining Mahomes in congratulating Jackson was 4-time Pro Bowler Michael Vick, Hall of Famer and 5-time First Team All-Pro selection Terrell Owens, 4-time Pro Bowler Eddie George, and former NFL MVP and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
Baltimore is also excited to have its first cover athlete since Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, who graced the cover of Madden 2005.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell also congratulated the young star, citing his relentless work ethic as the reason for his success.
My brotha!! So proud of you bro seen the nonstop work ethic and now you here bro!! Congrats fam??? @Lj_era8 https://t.co/X5jd0pnCE4
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 16, 2020
All that’s left if for Jackson to avoid the Madden curse – well, actually, it’s now his responsibility to avoid ruining the Madden blessing, as the curse has seemingly been broken over the last three years.
Lamar Jackson need not worry about the “Madden Curse”, as it might be finished, per @ESPNStatsInfo.
?Patrick Mahomes – Madden 20 – won Super Bowl LIV.
?Antonio Brown – Madden 19 – led NFL in Rec TD (15).
?Tom Brady – Madden 18 – lost Super Bowl LII, but Brady won NFL MVP.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 16, 2020
Make us proud, Lamar.
